Why the Galápagos?
The Galápagos Islands always felt like a faraway place in a storybook—tales of Darwin, survival of the fittest, giant tortoises, whale sharks, birds with blue feet, and life found nowhere else on Earth. For my husband and me, it was always a bucket-list destination that promised both adventure and discovery—exactly the kind of travel we’re drawn to.
Deciding when to take our children felt like a big decision, but with two adventurous, curious boys just shy of ages 8 and 10, this year turned out to be the perfect time.
There are many ways to explore the Galápagos—and truly no wrong way—but as we discovered firsthand, Ecoventura offers a hands-on, luxury expedition experience that we’ll carry with us for a lifetime.
Getting There & First Impressions
Getting to the Galápagos feels like part of the adventure. After a 6.5-hour overnight flight from JFK to Guayaquil and a short connection to San Cristóbal Island, we stepped into warm air, brilliant sunshine, and a sense of being somewhere completely untouched. The boys were buzzing with excitement—spotting sea lions and iguanas before we’d even boarded our yacht.
We spent three nights at Hotel Indigo San Cristóbal, where Michael could scuba dive while the boys and I explored local beaches and made friends with some (very) friendly sea lions. Their antics kept the kids laughing nonstop.
From the moment we arrived at our Ecoventura vessel, we knew we were in for something special. The welcome was warm and genuine—our maître d’ Jocelyn and naturalist guides Billy and Fernando learned everyone’s names within minutes. The yacht itself struck that perfect balance: spacious enough for comfort, yet intimate enough to feel like a private expedition.
Life Onboard
The rhythm of life onboard felt effortless. Mornings began with a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore—whether hiking across lava fields or boarding zodiacs to discover hidden coves. After lunch and a bit of downtime back on the yacht, afternoons meant snorkeling, kayaking, or landing on another island for more incredible encounters.
The crew anticipated every need—fresh towels after snorkeling, hot cocoa after evening rides, and kid-friendly meals that still felt refined. They clearly knew how to make families feel at home without ever losing that sense of adventure.
Wildlife & Adventure Moments
Nothing compares to seeing the wildlife of the Galápagos up close. A sea lion swimming beside you, a giant tortoise lumbering past, a marine iguana basking in the sun—it all feels surreal. My boys were transfixed by the blue-footed boobies and their comical dance, and we couldn’t stop smiling at the penguins darting by underwater.
Snorkeling with sea turtles, kayaking past penguins, hiking volcanic ridges, and stargazing from the deck—each day offered its own “pinch-me” moment. Our guides brought each ecosystem to life with such passion and expertise, ensuring even the youngest explorers stayed engaged. Every encounter felt personal and unforgettable, and for our family, these shared moments of awe and discovery were the heartbeat of the trip—a true privilege of this remarkable place.
Family Connection & Takeaways
What I’ll remember most isn’t just the landscapes or the wildlife, but how the experience brought us closer together. Without screens or schedules, we had space to connect—to laugh, to learn, to cheer each other on in the water.
The Galápagos reminded me of why we travel: to step outside our comfort zones, to see the world differently, and to experience something together that words can’t fully capture.
Why Ecoventura
I can’t imagine a better partner for exploring the Galápagos. Ecoventura’s small ships, expert guides, and thoughtful service strike the perfect balance between luxury and authenticity. It’s a brand that truly understands families—where every detail is handled, yet the focus always stays on the adventure itself.
Closing Thoughts
Our week in the Galápagos exceeded every expectation. It gave us wonder, perspective, and memories I know our boys will carry for life.
If the Galápagos is on your dream list, my advice is simple: go. It’s every bit as magical as you’ve imagined—maybe even more.
